Tag: fantasy book review

Airy Nothing by Clarissa Pattern Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Two boys must traverse a magical London in search of friendship and acceptance in author Clarissa Pattern’s “Airy Nothing”.

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The Synopsis

When you’ve always been told you’re wrong, finding a place that accepts you can be the most magical thing in the world.

John has always seen things others could not see. He runs away to fabled London to find his fortune, but all he finds are grimy streets, rife with hangings and disease. BlackJack is a fast-talking pickpocket ready to show John a new life in the big city. When John first sees Shakespeare’s wondrous Globe theatre, he becomes convinced that this is where he truly belongs. But can BlackJack resist the urge to make some easy coin off of his new, naïve friend? And can John step up to the stage before the beast of the city swallows them both? AIRY NOTHING is a magical period tale of two boys finding friendship, love, and acceptance in seething Elizabethan London.

The Review

This was a remarkable read. The author did a great job of striking the perfect balance between the realism of the character growth and settings with the fantasy element of the magical realism the genre calls for. The way the author explores the world that exists just a shift away from our own world and how the protagonist deals with this world as he makes his way through the streets of London was so unique to see, and the magical nature of the narrative added to the heightened tone and emotions the author was delving into.

Character growth was very prominent in this narrative, and actually made the story what it was. The exploration of sexuality and identity in this narrative was so profound through John’s story, exploring the world’s perspective of a person and standing this against the feelings, emotions, and internal knowledge that a person has about their own selves. The complex relationship not only between John and the magical world of the fae around him but between him and Jack was so moving and kept the reader invested in this story.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and hauntingly beautiful, author Clarissa Pattern’s “Airy Nothing” is a must-read magical realism novel. The breathtaking scenery and atmosphere the author created mirrored the fantasy and emotional character growth that brought real people to live in a world that feels so much like our own world and really created a gripping story that readers wouldn’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Clarissa Pattern studied English language and literature at the University of Oxford and has lived in the Oxfordshire area ever since. She has been writing ever since she could hold crayons and scribble across the wallpaper. Aside from writing, she spends as much time with her kids as they’ll put up with, ignores almost all the housework, and has an ever-increasing list of books she’s frantic to read. Her stories have been published in various anthologies over the years, and in August 2021, she released her first novel, a magical, historical YA called Airy Nothing.

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Revenge Seeker (Vital Impetus Book 2) by V.K. Tritschler Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman who has become the heir to a multiversal kingdom must protect her loved ones and stop her maniacal grandfather, who took her own father’s life, in author V.K. Tritschler’s “Revenge Seeker”, the second book in the Vital Impetus series. 

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The Synopsis 

Her Grandfather took her father’s life, and now Jess wants revenge.

Heir to a multi-verse kingdom Jess should be the most powerful woman in the world, able to keep her loved ones safe and bring peace to the realms. But with her newfound powers, came newfound dangers.

Jess is determined to protect the people she loves. To keep her sister, mother and boyfriend Peter safe, she sends them away, where her enemies can’t find them. When, Peter’s parents find out she’s the offspring of their mortal enemy, they are determined to keep them apart forever.

Going alone is perilous, and it’s hard to tell the difference between friend and foe. Determined to bring down her maniacal Grandfather, Jess is just beginning to realize the depth of her ties to those around her and the strength they bring to her.

Will she become the great protector or is she more like her Grandfather than she wants to admit?

The Review

This was such a fast-paced and entertaining read! The author did a truly fantastic job of world-building and crafting a very rich and descriptive narrative that really brought a large sense of imagery that captured the essence of these various worlds and realms the narrative took the protagonist in. The balance of character growth and mythos was perfectly captured, bringing both heart and creativity to the worlds in which Jess found herself. 

The character exploration in this story was unparalleled. The examination of protagonist Jess was especially brilliant, as her gifts and her mission for revenge were really tested when faced with the strain it put on her relationships, both with her mom and sister and with her longtime friend and boyfriend Peter. The twists and turns that came as a result of her desire to protect them as well as her need to avenge her father’s death were amazing. The tension and grim reality of her family life came to life in her battle with her grandfather, as she had to not only discover what life was like in his kingdom and under his rule but had to discover the lengths to which his villainy and desire for power extended. 

The Verdict

Captivating, engaging, and adrenaline-fueled fantasy action and adventure, author VK Tritschler’s “Revenge Seeker” is a must-read novel and the perfect next chapter in the Vital Impetus series! The twists and turns in Jess’s journey and the exploration of the corruption that power can bring and the blurred line that can come when seeking both justice and vengeance made this story really come to life, and the cliffhanger ending that left the fate of several characters up in the air made this a book that couldn’t be missed. So be sure to grab your copy of this wonderful read today!

Rating: 10/10

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Trade Secrets Review

About the Author

VK Tritschler is the definition of very busy. Having both a fulltime job, a growing family and a career as an author she has a lot going on both around her and in her imagination. She lives on the amazing Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, having moved there from her hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. Her family consists of a very patient husband, two rampant boys, and too many pets to mention.

She has a wonderful set of amazing writers who support her in the form of Eyre Writers, and in return, she offers crowd control services for the Youth section who are the future best-selling Australian authors.

Her first book “The Secret Life of Sarah Meads” was released in 2018 and since then she has participated in the NYC Writing Challenge, the Clunes Booktown, and helped organise and run the Eyre Writers Festival. Next came the paranormal anthology of “Magic & Mischief” with her story “Vital Impetus” which came out in July 2020.

After this, “The Risky Business of Romance” was released in October 2020 – a romantic suspense set in rural South Australia, and Trade Secrets is a rom-com based in Adelaide came out in December 2020. “A Town Called Nowhere” a paranormal romance about were-panthers set in rural Australia, was released in April 2021, with the second book out in October 2021.

Ever available to her readership you can find her at:

www.vktritschler.com

www.facebook.com/vktritschler

www.twitter.com/vktritschler

www.goodreads.com/vktritschler 

The Rython Kingdom by Mandy Eve-Barnett Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A famed troubadour set to tell a tale in the King’s court finds himself the pawn of a powerful witch, and must work to outsmart her and save the kingdom in author Mandy Eve-Barnett’s “The Rython Kingdom”. 

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The Synopsis

Unaware he is a pawn in a vengeful plan, Guillem’s actions may release an evil witch from her entrapment.

The famed troubadour attends the king’s court to recite a marvelous tale but his suspicions are raised by a strange servant. With the help of a wizened old woman, and her beautiful granddaughter, Guillem attempts to outwit the witch to save the kingdom from murder and mayhem.

He then finds himself part of a ritual for life everlasting with the entrancing and mysterious Juliana.

The Review

This was such a fun and engaging fantasy read. The story read like a brilliant new fairy tale, with a rich tapestry of characters that made the world the author created to feel alive and breathtaking. The action and the suspense that the author utilized in this narrative made the characters feel like they fit into this magical world, and the unique backstory of the protagonist and his turn as a hero and the hero’s journey he went on were so brilliantly written.

What stood out to me however were two things: the world-building and the mystery. The natural way this kingdom came to life and built upon a rich history within just a short amount of pages really captured the magic and wonder that the author was going for. Meanwhile, the inclusion of mystery and suspense elevated the narrative ten-fold, with an increased level of intrigue that kept the reader hooked throughout the narrative.

The Verdict

Masterful, captivating, and entertaining, author Mandy Eve-Barnett’s “The Rython Kingdom” is a must-read fairy tale! The fantasy and intrigue the novel brings will keep readers hooked, while the memorable cast of characters and epic fantasy action and romance will delight and engage readers who love adult fantasy reads. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mandy currently lives in Alberta, Canada but is originally from England. Her background is diverse and gives her rich experience to utilize in her writing. Mandy has been a nursing professional, a business owner, and a sort after administration expert. She has traveled throughout Europe, parts of America and Canada and was born in Africa.

Mandy is passionate about writing to the point of obsession and she succeeded in becoming a published author in record time. Mandy’s venture into freelance writing has been successful and she regularly contributes to Strathcona Connect, an e-zine and the Never Been Better page in the Sherwood Park newspaper as well as well as holding the position of Secretary for her local writing group, Writers Foundation of Strathcona County. She is also Secretary of Alberta Authors Cooperative.

Writing in various genres, Mandy has been published in anthologies, on numerous web sites as well as regularly blogging about her writing journey.

https://mandyevebarnett.com/

https://twitter.com/mandyevebarnett

Lethal Waters (The Gift Legacy Book 4) by J.P. McLean Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

After a series of events forces her to take on the role of an undercover agent, a young woman with extraordinary gifts finds herself in the midst of a drug investigation that includes murder, all while trying to keep her gifts hidden from the world in author J.P. McLean’s “Lethal Waters”, the fourth book in The Gift Legacy series.

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The Synopsis

A body in the water. A vast ocean. A killer on the loose.

In the midst of a bloody rebellion, Emelynn Taylor exposes her gift of flight to save a man’s life. Now International Covert Operations knows her secret. The powerful organization is willing to cover up the carnage and protect her secret—in exchange for her services.

Her first assignment, a drug case in the coastal city of Vancouver, soon reveals a grisly murder that implicates one of her own kind.

Stalked by the ancient Tribunal Novem and vilified by a distrustful team of detectives, Emelynn takes on a perilous undercover role embedded in a drug ring where anyone could be the murderer.

Intrigue and danger lurk in the cold Pacific, challenging Emelynn’s unique gift and pitting her loyalties against her honour. And her choice is guaranteed to hurt someone.

The fourth book in The Gift Legacy series, Lethal Waters is a thriller that skirts the edges of reality in a world within our own. Don your life jacket and escape the ordinary: take flight with Emelynn Taylor.

(Lethal Waters was previously published as The Gift: Penance)

The Review

I am a massive fan of this series. I always love seeing the author naturally blend the events of the previous books and the events that individual characters have undergone into the narrative without feeling like a summary and instead more of a natural progression of the modern story. The characters continued to evolve the history and mythos of those with her gifts while turning more into the mystery aspect of the narrative. Emelynn’s turn as an undercover agent of sorts, brought in unexpectedly into an investigation after a series of synchronicity style events puts her in the investigation’s path, added a depth of intrigue and mystery that readers are going to absolutely love.

The descriptive narrative the author utilized here really brought this world to life in the reader’s mind. The action and suspense of who the main players in this investigation were and who could be trusted added a burst of adrenaline as the events began to pile up one after the other for Emelynn. 

The Verdict

Entertaining, heart-pounding, yet highly thoughtful in its approach to the mystery, author J.P. McLean’s “Lethal Waters” is a must-read novel and the perfect addition to this growing series. The action and mythos really will keep readers on the edge of their seat, while the new direction the author takes the protagonist will breathe new life into this fantasy universe, making this a book in the series that is not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Blood Mark Review
Interview with Author J.P. McLean
Secret Sky Review
Hidden Enemy Review
Burning Lies Review

About the Author

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean writes urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers which have received honorable mentions from the Whistler Independent Book Awards and the Victoria Writers Society. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart, and fun. Her work includes endorsements from award-winning and best-selling authors, E.E. Holmes, Jennifer Manuel, Elinor Florence, Jennifer Anne Gordon, and Eileen Cook.

JP is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business. She is a certified scuba diver, an avid gardener, and a voracious reader. Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP lived in various parts of North America before settling on Denman Island on Canada’s west coast, where she now lives with her husband. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cooking dishes that look nothing like the recipe photos or arguing with weeds in the garden.

Visit her at https://jpmcleanauthor.com

https://twitter.com/jpmcleanauthor

Keeper of the Jewel: Highcliff Guardians Epic Fantasy Series (Soul Forge Universe Book 1) by Richard H. Stephens Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young heir to the throne is sent away to be protected from a looming threat, but finds sins of the kingdom’s past may find their way back to her in author Richard H. Stephen’s “Keeper of the Jewel: Highcliff Guardians Epic Fantasy Series”, the first book in the Soul Forge Universe series. 

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The Synopsis 

Something evil lurks beneath the palace.

A phantasm from a darker past makes its presence known to Khae Wys, Queen of the Elves.

Braving the perils of a haunted tower, the queen seeks the counsel of the mysterious Fae, for only they can predict what is to come. A future that doesn’t bode well for her only living child.

In a desperate attempt to save the heir to the Willow Throne, Princess Ouderling is exiled to the only place capable of protecting her. Highcliff, the home of the coveted Crystal Cavern and the dragons that watch over it.

The Duke of Grim, however, has other plans for the princess.

The Review

I absolutely loved this book! The world-building was phenomenal, and the imagery the author infused into the narrative, (both literarily speaking and literally) was superb to see. The use of artwork throughout the book was an inspired choice, as the author was able to give readers a visual representation of the tone and quality of the characters that strengthened the emotional connection readers had for them.

I loved how complex and realistic the relationships and personalities of these fantasy characters felt. While I absolutely love fantasy-driven narratives, some novels can get so heavy with the fantasy elements that character choices and personalities can feel stuffy or disconnected in some way. Yet this author found a great way of making the characters either relatable or realistic enough for readers to recognize. Even protagonist Princess Ouderling perfectly represents the young woman who must undergo a heroic journey and face the past of her kingdom, but also holds that youthful sense of rebellion and need for an identity all her own, which will resonate greatly with younger readers especially.

The Verdict

A brilliant, entertaining, and amazingly haunting world of epic fantasy that readers won’t want to miss, author Richard H. Stevens’s “Keeper of the Jewel” is a must-read novel and the perfect start to a brand new fantasy series. What really was great to see was that this book was the first of a new series, but was set within an even greater series the author already has written. Yet the story felt fresh and was able to be enjoyed seamlessly by newcomers while still hitting great story strides with established lands and characters at the same time. It made for such a rich and powerful read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Simcoe, Ontario, in 1965, I began writing circa 1974; a bored child looking for something to while away the long, summertime days. My penchant for reading The Hardy Boys led to an inspiration one sweltering summer afternoon when my best friend and I thought, “Hey, we could write one of those.” And so, I did.

As my reading horizons broadened, so did my writing. Star Wars inspired me to write a 600-page novel about outer space that caught the attention of a special teacher, Mr. Woodley, who encouraged me to keep writing.

A trip to a local book store saw the proprietor introduce me to Stephen R. Donaldson and Terry Brooks. My writing life was forever changed.

At 17, I left high school to join the working world to support my first son. For the next twenty-two years I worked as a shipper at a local bakery. At the age of 36, I went back to high school to complete my education. After graduating with honours at the age of thirty-nine, I became a member of our local Police Service, and worked for 12 years in the provincial court system.

In early 2017, I resigned from the Police Service to pursue my love of writing full-time. With the help and support of my lovely wife Caroline and our 5 children, I have now realized my boyhood dream.

https://www.richardhstephens.com/

https://twitter.com/RHStephens1

Interview with Author Paul Francois

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

A: My day job is being a computer geek for a global technology company. I’ve always been a geek and proud of it. Technology was always in my blood. My first job was an avionics system control specialist on F-111 fighters in the US Air Force. I started writing to quiet the voices in my head! Ok, seriously…I always felt I had better ideas for stories and movies than most. It was sometime in 2011 that I kept getting ideas waking me in my sleep and disrupting my day-to-day activities. Finally, I had to write. It was the only action that helped calm the voices.

Q: What inspired you to write your book?

A: I used to play Shadowbane online and was intrigued by the lore. The game designers intertwined Greek, Celtic, and Nordic mythologies so well that I had to expand upon it. So many ideas rattled around in my mind until I just had to pour them out onto paper…or a computer to be precise. This was my second book but I kept writing and writing until I realized…this was my first full sized novel. I was horrible in high school English classes. I wanted to write creatively, but the teachers wanted uniformity, conformity, and structure. I felt as if they were drowning me with rules and restrictions.

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Q: What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

A: I would like readers to feel that anything is possible. You never know where life will take you or what destiny may lie ahead of you, just waiting for you to discover it. 

Q: What drew you into this particular genre?

A: I’ve always loved the SciFi and Fantasy genre. I find everyday life boring and sometimes limited, but in the Fantasy genre you can create anything you like. Create a new realm, a new creature, or anything you can dream…your imagination is the only limitation.

Q: If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

A: It would choose Gaal. I loved creating this character and developing an arsenal of witty comebacks for him. I would ask how he felt about always being referred to as an abomination and what it was like growing up in the Carloon Outpost as a Shade. I always felt I could have elaborated on his life, but then again…I doubt the Shade would be very forthcoming with details.

Q: What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

A: Goodreads and BookBub. Most other sites would reach out to just any members, even if they did not know you were a writer. With my last name being French in origin I mostly received scammers speaking French wearing revealing clothing.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

A: If you’re writing for a profit, find a new line of work. If you just care about publicity, then you can write what you “think” the public wants to hear. However, if the desire to express yourself and the yearning to create new worlds, stories, and characters just burns deep in your soul…write what you want, when you want, and how you want. If your one true desire is to be a creative writer, then write what you want. If they like it, great. If they don’t…then screw them! At the end of the day the only person you have to answer to, and that you can’t lie to, is yourself.

Q: What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

A: Due to life and health issues, I’ve had to take a hiatus from writing for a few years but I hope to get started on a trilogy series soon featuring a young female protagonist who is a strong leader and not afraid of showing it. I’m tired of some showing that females have to have a soft side and that they are so easily hurt, while the males are brave and fearless. It doesn’t always work like that in the real world. Also, I might write the prequels to the Shadowbane series, since I loved writing the Age of Aelfborn.

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About the Author

By day, Paul Francois is a mild-mannered IT professional. He has been in the technology field for over 20 years. One day, in 2011, he started pondering story ideas until they leapt out of his brain and onto paper…onto the computer to be precise.

Join him as he discovers which genre suits his writing style best. Fantasy, Sci Fi, Thriller, or perhaps…all of the afore mentioned. The road is dreary and his journey long, sit back and enjoy a tale as we travel it together.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorPaulFrancois

Twitter: @AuthorFrancois

www.crusaderscrypt.com 

Jexter Bladebrace & The Exalted Kingdom by Jamie Smartkins Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

After a planetary disaster leaves only a handful of humans alive on a deserted island, an alien race comes and makes an alliance to save the survivors in author Jamie Smartkins’s “Jexter Bladebrace & The Exalted Kingdom”. 

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The Synopsis

In the year 2080 AD, the asteroid Ominoulada strikes the Earth, shaking the planet.

Jexter Bladebrace finds himself stranded on an island. The spaceship Spectrovor arrives to help the Earthlings. Joining one hundred survivors on the island where Spectrovor lands, Jexter, Shelly and Mac try to prevent their island from sinking into the ocean.

The Spectropeans from Spectrovor suggest an alliance with the Earthlings, whereby they will save them by turning them into humphibians, a life form which can survive on land as well as in water. The humphibians take refuge in a sunken ship and learn to live on the demolished planet Earth, exploring and finding new places.

But when they find another planet, a reflection of the Earth, their lives take a drastic turn.

Can Jexter, Shelly and Mac salvage the future of the Earthlings?

The Review

This was a fast-paced and highly creative read! The author immediately set the tone of the narrative, spelling out the destruction of Earth and the diminishing odds of survival the last of humanity faced in the wake of a massive asteroid. The author did an incredible job of balancing out humor and wit with a beautiful amount of world-building and found the perfect chord of harmony between the fantasy and science fiction elements.

The character arcs did a great job of really delving into the relationships these survivors had with each other and the otherworldly visitors who helped save them. For such a short read, the author created characters that readers immediately cared for and helped elevate the narrative overall. The twists and turns the narrative took allowed for several of the main characters to take on alternate roles as the story progressed, almost as if watching a show where an actor took on multiple roles for the same project.

The Verdict

A refreshing, entertaining, and creative sci-fi and fantasy read, author Jamie Smartkins’s “Jexter Bladebrace & The Exalted Kingdom” is a must-read novel to kick off 2022! Although I personally would have loved to see some more time to delve into these characters’ backstories and the history of these fictional worlds the author created, the narrative flowed quickly and gave readers an incredible story to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

8/10

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About the Author

Jamie Smartkins is the author of action adventure fantasy sci-fi book ‘Jexter Bladebrace & The Exalted Kingdom’. Jamie is an Indian science fiction writer, blogger and YouTuber. After having over a decade of experience in the software industry, he moved into the world of writing. He is also a voracious reader, music lover and winner of several quiz and dance competitions. Jamie started writing about fantasy stories as he believes creative art in any genre is the ultimate form of abstract science.

He loves studying astrology, palmistry and new foreign languages during his spare time.

Home

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamieS

Flotsam (Peridot Shift Book 1) by R.J. Theodore Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

What promises to be a simple and easy payday turns into a planetary battle for survival as a small crew aboard an airship discovers an ancient ring and a deadly secret that brings an armada of different enemies knocking on their doors in author R.J. Theodore’s “Flotsam”, the first book in the Peridot Shift series.

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The Synopsis

A fantastical steampunk first contact novel that ties together high magic, high technology, and bold characters to create a story you won’t soon forget.

Captain Talis just wants to keep her airship crew from starving, and maybe scrape up enough cash for some badly needed repairs. When an anonymous client offers a small fortune to root through a pile of atmospheric wreckage, it seems like an easy payday. The job yields an ancient ring, a forbidden secret, and a host of deadly enemies.

Now on the run from cultists with powerful allies, Talis needs to unload the ring as quickly as possible. Her desperate search for a buyer and the fallout from her discovery leads to a planetary battle between a secret society, alien forces, and even the gods themselves.

Talis and her crew have just one desperate chance to make things right before their potential big score destroys them all.

The Review

I absolutely loved this book. As a sucker for genre mashups, I truly enjoyed getting to see this blend of sci-fi, steampunk, and fantasy all blended into one epic story of adventure, secrets, and camaraderie. The world-building the author utilized here was fantastic, giving readers a great sense of imagery as this world was brought to life while still leaving enough room for readers to want more backstory and history in future installments. The balance of mythos that went into the story with the character’s personal growth was amazing to watch unfold here and gave readers so much to absorb as the story went on.

The characters themselves were so diverse and fantastic to read. The complicated history and pasts of these characters were well fleshed out in the novel, and never felt like the exploration of these pasts ever took away from the main plot. The action was great, as the narrative took on a very cinematic quality and made this first book feel like the first season of a new streaming show steampunk and sci-fi fantasy fans are craving right now.

The Verdict

A memorable, entertaining, and brilliant steampunk and sci-fi fantasy novel, author R.J. Theodore’s “Flotsam” is the perfect first novel in a brand new series! The rich history and mythology the author built here with a cast of characters readers can’t help but care for and brilliant action makes this genre-bending novel a true standout. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder this novel or grab your copy on February 1st, 2022. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

R J Theodore is an author, graphic designer, podcaster, and all-around collector of creative endeavors and hobbies. She enjoys writing about magic-infused technologies, first contact events, and bioluminescing landscapes.

Her love of SFF storytelling developed through grabbing for anything-and-everything “unicorn” as a child, but she was subverted by tales of distant solar systems when her brother introduced her to Star Trek: The Next Generation at age seven. A few years later, Sailor Moon taught her stories can have both.

She lives in New England, haunted by her childhood cat.

https://rjtheodore.com/

https://twitter.com/bittybittyzap

Shadowbane: Age of Aelfborn by Paul Francois Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young man who witnesses great tragedy must go on an epic quest to save his sister and fulfill his destiny in author Paul Francois’s “Shadowbane: Age of Aelfborn”. 

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The Synopsis

During a time of strife, Megildur must traverse Aerynth to rescue his sister and fulfill a destiny ordained by the All-Father. Finding Shadowbane, the mighty but cursed sword, will be challenging enough for this young Aelfborn. In a world torn apart by treachery and conflict, it is every being, or creature, for themselves.

This novel combines qualities from Lord of the Rings© and Greek mythology, with a few twists on some new races…such as Irekei, Aracoix, and of course, Aelfborn. This is the first novel to reveal the lore behind the epic player versus player game, Shadowbane.

Aerynth exists within a shroud of betrayal and deceit for over 100 years. In this realm of chaos, Megildur finds help from an unlikely pair…a sneaky Shade and a nomadic Nephilim. Can this unique trio bring peace and order to Aerynth, or fall prey to the Terror of Terrors? 

The Review

This was such an epic and captivating fantasy read. This definitely would feel right at home for fans of epic, deep-cut level fantasy storytelling, delving into a world of mythological creatures from all varieties of mythological backgrounds. I absolutely loved this mashup of different cultures and myths to delve into, as well as the author’s use of imagery and atmospheric buildup in the narrative. 

What struck me was the utilization of the hero’s journey for this novel, as protagonist Megildur grows from a young boy desperate to save the last person connected to his family to a leader and hero that is destined to save the world. The author’s use of writing style felt very much like it was written for fans of video games, which was such a breath of fresh air for the genre. From the journey itself feeling like an open-world game to the various creatures the protagonist had to face (or bosses), the stylistic choices of this narrative made this a true standout novel.

The Verdict

A remarkable, entertaining, and epic fantasy novel, author Paul Francois’s “Shadowbane: Age of Aelfborn” is a must-read novel. Fantastic world-building and mythology kept me hooked the entire time, and the cast of characters kept readers invested in the hero’s journey the protagonist found himself on, making this a remarkable story worth diving into. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

By day, Paul Francois is a mild-mannered IT professional. He has been in the technology field for over 20 years. One day, in 2011, he started pondering story ideas until they leaped out of his brain and onto paper…onto the computer to be precise.

Join him as he discovers which genre suits his writing style best. Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller, or perhaps…all of the aforementioned. The road is dreary and his journey long, sit back and enjoy a tale as we travel it together.

Books

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722CDJW2/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F30621959-shadowbane&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20